Registered Respiratory Therapy

Summary The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for the Pulmonary Section serves primarily in the outpatient pulmonary services including the pulmonary function testing laboratory and bronchoscopy suite. The RRT performs diagnostic tests on patients to assess potential pulmonary conditions. These tests can include spirometry, diffusion testing, lung volumes, airway resistance, respiratory muscle forces, bronchial provocation testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent performs a variety of activities regarding Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the pulmonary laboratory. This includes the operation, calibration, and maintenance of commonly used instruments such as computerized pulmonary function testing equipment, and oximeters. The incumbent is proficient in the execution of standardized pulmonary function tests such as forced and slow vital capacity, flow volume loops, measures of airway resistance, functional residual capacities, maximum voluntary ventilation. The incumbent is proficient in bronchoscopy support, and arterial blood gas draw. He / She operates exercise equipment (treadmill, bicycle ergometer). Performs and calculates diffusing capacity by steady state and single breath methods. Performs studies of lung mechanics, which Include the use of a body plethysmograph, sensitive pressure and flow recorders and multichannel electronic recorders for precise measurement of airway obstruction, thoracic gas volume, compliance, and other parameters. The Incumbent operates a computerized system for the measurement of lung volumes, air velocity indices, anatomic dead space, nitrogen washout curve, single breath nitrogen study for determination of closing volume. The incumbent checks off the status of the control point and keeps a constant check on the current balance. The incumbent is expected to have knowledge of the physiologic principle of each test, as well as the technical skills. He/she effectively instructs patients as to when and how to perform breathing exercises. He/she performs bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor for complications of this testing and initiate interventions prior to notifying the supervising Pulmonary Physician. Because of the complexity of the physiologic studies, the technician must become involved in all phases of the work so that he/she can not only perform the studies but also have a clear under standing of their significance to enable him/her to interpret and apply findings to the overall picture. The incumbent prepares and prints the results of PFTs for the clinician to interpret including performing an initial quality review of test results. The incumbent is expected to be in close communication with the clinicians if he/she estimates that a patient requires clinical attention. This includes notification of significant abnormal tests or need of additional studies. The incumbent should be proficient in recognizing if a patient requires immediate attention by a clinician. The incumbent should actively involve patient education while performing PFT-related duties. He/she must be able to perform existing procedures and to adapt to newer techniques, with minimal supervision. He/she must be able to perform calibration maintenance and minor repairs, accurately calculate and tabulate the results and maintain laboratory records and files. The incumbent is responsible for maintenance of expensive and delicate equipment and maintaining liaison with Supply Department, Biomedical Section, and vendors for necessary adjustments and repairs. The incumbent actively determines the need for new equipment and space. The incumbent orders supplies, equipment, and repairs. He/she must communicate with the Pulmonary Service leadership when there is a malfunction of equipment and be involved in the communication with other departments and/or contractors to coordinate repairs. The incumbent needs knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 30825F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jamie Wunsch / Jamie.Wunsch@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT. Credential. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. Additional certification of CPFT or RPFT is desirable, but not required. Willingness to work towards obtaining CPFT or RPFT if not already certified. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidate must: (a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Certification. Candidates must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care, cardiopulmonary science or a health- related field and Hold one of the education certifications for pulmonary disease for Patient Educator OR a certification for adult critical care specialist for Staff Educator. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of instructional techniques to educate respiratory therapists in proper performance of respiratory processes and procedures. Ability to educate individuals of varying backgrounds. Skill in training RRTs, other staff and/or patients/caregivers on existing and newly acquired equipment, therapies and medications. Ability to determine the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs. Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies and simulations relative to respiratory care. This vacancy is above the full performance level GS-12. Physical Requirements: All respiratory therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. The respiratory therapist is expected to be able to move, lift, bend, and stoop while performing duties with equipment, supplies, and patients. Respiratory therapists must demonstrate the ability to handle stressful, challenging situations in a positive manner. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Additional KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, and other basic diagnostic procedures. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing including knowledge of normal or abnormal results and able to recognize when to report serious abnormalities during procedure to a Pulmonary Physician. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures. Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.